| Collectors can purchase a variety of antique dolls to | | | | dolls you have within your collection, because |
| add to there collection from a variety of sources. | | | | wooden dolls should never get wet due to the fact |
| Collectors may find that on-line retailers are an | | | | that they will stain. Collectors should clean antique |
| excellent source for locating original dolls from the | | | | cloth dolls with corn starch or talcum powder by |
| 1980s and before. | | | | gently rubbing into the body and leaving it over night. |
| By using on-line retailers, collectors may also find | | | | Loose powder can simply be brushed free or cloth |
| forums that are specially dedicated to collecting dolls, | | | | dolls can be vacuumed through by placing inside of a |
| which can be of some help to them in collecting | | | | pair of nylon pantyhose. |
| these antique dolls. Searching for dolls on-line is really | | | | Some collectors will specialize their collections on |
| simple and will enable collectors to search for dolls | | | | particular dolls such as Strawberry Shortcake Dolls or |
| that are actually located all over the world. Of course, | | | | Barbie Dolls. Barbie collectors are really fortunate, |
| collectors do prefer to examine dolls prior to | | | | because they have conventions that are available |
| purchasing them and may prefer looking at garage | | | | they can network with other collectors for the |
| sales, flea markets, or antique store for antique dolls | | | | purpose of buying, selling, and trading dolls within their |
| instead. However, this may be a much more difficult | | | | collections. These types of conventions are held |
| process of searching for these items, but it does | | | | annually in a variety of different locations and |
| allow the collector the chance to carefully examine | | | | interested collectors can attend these conventions by |
| the item for authenticity before making any type of | | | | signing up through the website at Mattel. |
| purchase. | | | | Collectors may want to have one or more of their |
| Proper care is important in helping dolls to maintain | | | | antique dolls appraised to determine the value. To do |
| their appearance as well as their value. It is greatly | | | | this the collector should take with them to the |
| important that a collector store their collection of | | | | appraiser and items that can with the doll such as |
| antique dolls in a dust free display case, and that it | | | | boxes, letter of authenticity, tags, or any other |
| does not get exposed to direct sunlight. The display | | | | supporting materials. If a collector is unsure how to |
| case should provide an environment that is constantly | | | | find an experienced doll appraisers, then they may |
| cool and dry, which will help to keep the collection of | | | | contact the National Antique Doll Dealers Association |
| dolls clean and will prevent any fading. The fading can | | | | for information on local appraisers who are more than |
| be also be cause from excessive exposure to the | | | | qualified to determine the value of any antique doll |
| sunlight as well as damage from exposure to | | | | within their collection. However, if a collector is simply |
| humidity. Collectors should also know that when | | | | interested in determining the approximate value of |
| antique dolls are placed sheets of acid free tissue | | | | certain dolls within their collection for personal use, |
| paper between the dolls clothes and body will | | | | then they might want to consult the use of price |
| prevent the colors of the clothing from staining the | | | | guides to get the value of their antique dolls. |
| body of the doll. Also, collectors should inspect their | | | | Collectors may also want to consult other collectors |
| collections of dolls that they have stored regularly to | | | | who might be more knowledgeable to a certain |
| ensure that no damage has occurred. | | | | degree than you on the value of your antique dolls. |
| Cleaning antique dolls greatly depends on the type of | | | | |